Lions send playoff tickets to some fans

By LARRY LAGE | December 23, 2013 | 9:05 PM EST

Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola (51) reacts after New York Giants free safety Will Hill scores a touchdown on an interception during the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Lions dealt some fans a blow one day after a 23-20 loss to the New York Giants eliminated them from playoff contention.

People who committed to buying postseason tickets from the Lions received them in the mail on Monday.

Team president Tom Lewand confirmed money spent on playoff games will be credited toward season-ticket renewals for the 2014 season. Fans who don't want to renew their season tickets can get a refund, according to team spokesman Ben Manges.

The franchise was in a position to sell tickets to potential postseason games because the Lions were in control of the NFC North late in the season.

Detroit, though, won only one of its past six games and lost fourth-quarter leads in each of those losses. The skid and a 29-50 record over five seasons has put coach Jim Schwartz's job in jeopardy.